Removal of Copper(II) and Zinc(II) from Aqueous Solutions Using a Lignocellulosic-Based Polymeric Adsorbent Containing Amidoxime Chelating Functional Groups

Abstract

In this study, the adsorption of Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions onto amidoximated polymerized banana stem (APBS) has been investigated. Infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm graft copolymer formation and amidoxime functionalization. The different variables affecting the sorption capacity such as pH of the solution, adsorption time, initial metal ion concentration, and temperature have been investigated. The optimum pH for maximum adsorption was 10.5 (99.99%) for Zn2+ and 6.0 (99.0%) for Cu2+ at an initial concentration of 10 mg L−1. Equilibrium was achieved approximately within 3 h. The experimental kinetic data were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models and are well fitted with pseudo- second-order kinetics. The thermodynamic activation parameters such as ΔGo, ΔHo, and ΔSo were determined to predict the nature of adsorption. The temperature dependence indicates an exothermic process. The experimental isotherm data were well fitted to the Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacities of 42.32 and 85.89 mg g−1 for Cu(II) and Zn(II), respectively, at 20°C. The adsorption efficiency was tested using industrial effluents. Repeated adsorption/regeneration cycles show the feasibility of the APBS for the removal of Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions from water and industrial effluents.